{"id":53,"date":"2026-05-02T14:31:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T14:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/?page_id=53"},"modified":"2026-05-03T14:12:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T14:12:50","slug":"advisory-board","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/?page_id=53","title":{"rendered":"Advisory Board"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the Advisory Board<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fife-Headshot.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Dustin Fife<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Dustin is the College Librarian at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He has worked in both public and academic libraries as a library director and has worked extensively with conferences through state and national associations. Dustin is the series editor for Academic Library Workers in Conversation, a regular feature in College &amp; Research Libraries News. Throughout his career, he has focused on Open Education and management practices that promote well-being. Dustin joined this advisory board because he believes that we need more spaces to have meaningful conversations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"972\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-1024x972.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-1024x972.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-768x729.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-1536x1458.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/garner-jennifer-2048x1944.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Jennier Garner<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-tiny-font-size\">Jennie Garner is the library director at the North Liberty Library in Iowa where she has served in a variety of roles for more than 30 years. Her professional work is grounded in a deep commitment to leadership, policy development, and advancing equity and access in libraries, with particular attention to creating healthy, sustainable organizational cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tiny-font-size\">Jennie has presented nationally and internationally on positive leadership, community engagement and bridging, and inclusive policy development. She prioritizes staff involvement at all levels of organizational planning and encourages staff development and community engagement as essential elements to resilience and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tiny-font-size\">A dedicated advocate for rural and small libraries, Jennie served as the 2023 President of the Association for Rural &amp; Small Libraries (ARSL) and continues to promote collaboration across libraries of all sizes. She is currently a member of the National Civic Collaboratory. At the local level, she serves on the board of Inside Out Reentry Community, reflecting her broader commitment to social justice and to systems that support individual and community well-being. Previously, Jennie served two terms on the Iowa Library Association Executive Board, as well as on committees focused on governmental affairs, intellectual freedom, and leadership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ToddGrootenHeadshot-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Todd Grooten<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Todd has worked in libraries since 1992 and received his MA in library science from Indiana University Bloomington in 2003. He is currently working at the Ruth Lilly Medical Library. He is active in the library wellness committee. He is also involved in several statewide library committees devoted to resource sharing and mental health in libraries and other service activities on his campus, geared towards community building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Todd completed a master\u2019s degree in social work in August 2025. Driven by a deep commitment to systemic change and social justice, Todd is planning on specializing in macro social work, focusing on the broader structures that affect individuals and the communities they reside in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shannan-hicks-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shannan-hicks-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shannan-hicks-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shannan-hicks.png 316w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Shannon Hicks<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Shannan Hicks loves books, libraries and reading! She has experience in many library environments, including public, state, special, law and school. She is also the force behind Librarian Barbie, a brand that includes book reviews, book club moderation, and podcasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shannan holds a BA and MLIS from Louisiana State University. She also has a JD from Tulane University. She worked in the nonprofit field and practiced law for several years before becoming a librarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shannan loves all books, but her heart is in children\u2019s literature. She has served on the American Library Association&#8217;s Newbery Committee, Caldecott Committee and the Odyssey Committee. Shannan has also chaired the Ezra Jack Keats Committee. She has also served on the Louisiana Young Reader\u2019s Choice Committee. You can find her book reviews on Instagram and TikTok. She lives in her hometown of Shreveport with her dogs Nelson and Buddy Kravitz, her favorite book reviewers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Twanna-Hodge_March-2025-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Twanna Hodge (she\/her)<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Twanna Hodge (she\/her) is a PhD candidate in the College of Information at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds a BA in Humanities from the University of the Virgin Islands and a Master\u2019s in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. Her PhD research focuses on the role of culture and ethnic identity on English-speaking Black Caribbean immigrants &#8216; mental health information behavior\/practices. She was an academic librarian for over seven years. She is one of the co-creators of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Library and Information Science (LIS) Mental Health Summit, which was created during the pandemic as a space for collective care in an authentic and care-centered manner, to increase awareness of best practices for self-preservation and wellness tools. She is a 2013 American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Scholar and a 2022 ALA Spectrum Doctoral Fellow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"253\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Sonnet-253x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Sonnet-253x300.jpeg 253w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Sonnet.jpeg 395w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-6&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-6\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Sonnet Ireland<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-6\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Sonnet Ireland is the Library Director of the Washington Parish Library and has been a Louisiana librarian for fifteen years. She has written and presented on censorship and fake news, with a focus on counteracting both. A Past President of the Louisiana Library Association and an ALA Councilor At-Large, Sonnet is passionate about fostering emotional wellness and self-care for library staff. She believes in creating supportive environments where staff can thrive while serving their communities. In her spare time, she enjoys playing old video games and rescuing any random animal that crosses her path.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HGJ-prof-photo-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HGJ-prof-photo-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HGJ-prof-photo-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HGJ-prof-photo-768x602.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HGJ-prof-photo.jpg 1458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-7&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-7\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Heather James<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-7\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Heather is the Dean at Gonzaga University\u2019s Foley Center Library. Previously she served as Associate Dean for Scholarly Collections at Foley Library and at Marquette University\u2019s Raynor Memorial Library as Coordinator of Digital Programs, managing the university\u2019s institutional repository and services for research data management and author\u2019s publication rights. Additionally, she has been an instruction and liaison librarian for both Humanities and STEM disciplines for over a decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her primary focus in professional service has been in areas of equity and inclusion for all people in libraries and higher education. She has served on multiple American Library Association division committees,&nbsp; and is currently a member of the Steering Committee and IMLS Grant Team for the Conference on Academic Library Management (CALM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is also coordinating Foley Library\u2019s implementation of an IMLS sub-award for <em>Leading the Charge: Advancing the Recruitment, Retention, and Inclusion of People of Color withing the Library and Information Science Field<\/em>, selected by the grant team at Hampton University<em>.<\/em> She completed her M.S.I.S. at SUNY Albany and also holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from San Diego State University.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-225x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-1152x1536.png 1152w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-1536x2048.png 1536w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Hannah-scaled.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-8&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-8-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-8\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Hannah Kukal Curtiss (she\/her)<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-8\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-8-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Hannah Kukal Curtiss (she\/her) is the Interlibrary Loan Manager for Mid-Continent Public Library. She firmly believes that prioritizing staff wellness creates the foundation for organizational success. Her writing has appeared in Public Libraries Magazine, MO Humanities Magazine, and in <em>Well-Being in the Library Workplace: a Handbook for Managers. <\/em>She co-chairs a system-wide committee for Mid-Continent called Staff Connection Workshop and completed the ALA Emerging Leaders program. She has an MA in Franco-Arab Studies from the University of North Carolina &#8211; Chapel Hill and an MLS from Emporia State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and weenie dog.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cyndee-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cyndee-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cyndee.jpg 680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-9&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-9-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-9\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Dr. Cynthia M.  Landrum<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-9\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-9-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Dr. Cynthia M. Landrum is a futurist, scholar, and equity-focused national library leader with over two decades of experience spanning federal, state, and local institutions. She previously served as Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and Deputy Director for IMLS Office of Library Services at IMLS where she invested in transformative efforts to increase equity, access and innovation in library services nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to her federal service, Dr. Landrum held executive leadership roles in public libraries, including as CEO-Director of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, where she restructured operations to enhance community impact and sustainability, and introduced the first Civic Data Science position in a public library. Her earlier administrative roles in Oak Park(IL), Mt. Lebanon(PA), and Glendale(AZ) libraries reflect a consistent commitment to organizational design, user-centered services, and inclusive leadership. Dr. Landrum is active in the profession and her community having served as President of the Arizona Library Association, an American Library Association Councilor, Library of Congress Literacy Awards Advisory Board member among national and local non-profit boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A frequent speaker, and published author, Dr. Landrum is deeply engaged in the future of the profession. Her consulting and coaching practices is grounded in futures studies and justice oriented leadership praxis to build the capacity of leaders and institutions to shape and drive futures. Dr. Landrum\u2019s teaching and research interests include: library and information science futures, library management and leadership praxis, and public libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She holds a Ph.D. in Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions from Simmons University, and degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Southern Mississippi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-732x1024.jpg 732w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-1463x2048.jpg 1463w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/martin-carolyn-scaled.jpg 1829w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 214px) 100vw, 214px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-10&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-10-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-10\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Carolyn Martin<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-10\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-10-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Carolyn has been an information professional for over 30 years. She has worked in hospitals\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>and public libraries providing reference, instruction, literature searches, and collection management. Most recently, she focused on consumer health and health literacy with the Network of the National Library of Medicine. Throughout her career, her work has been dedicated to providing access to quality information to everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CristyMoran-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CristyMoran-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CristyMoran-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CristyMoran-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CristyMoran-rotated.jpeg 1158w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-11&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-11-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-11\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Cristy Moran (she\/ella)<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-11\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-11-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Cristy Moran (she\/ ella) is a librarian, an educator, an instructional designer, and an information literacy specialist who has worked in libraries and education for over 15 years. She is a &#8220;librarian for librarians\u201d and a library evangelist, bringing the critical often overlooked role libraries play as social and civic infrastructure to every room she\u2019s in. Adults are her people no matter the age, identity, language, needs, aspirations, or contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spanglish is her superpower. Kindness punk is her praxis. She&#8217;d tell you wildflower seed-bombing is what she does for a living.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Angela-Pashia-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Angela-Pashia-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Angela-Pashia.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-12&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-12-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-12\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Angela Pashia<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-12\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-12-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Angela spent a dozen years as an academic librarian focusing on teaching critical information literacy, working against structural oppression within libraries, and growing as a collaborative leader. Angela focused heavily on using critical pedagogy to teach information literacy, and adapted those skills while shifting into leadership roles. In addition to serving as a department head within the library, Angela led change across campus through roles like chairing the Faculty Senate Diversity and Internationalization Committee, serving on the Faculty Advisory to the Provost, co-chairing the campus General Education Redesign Committee, and serving a term as President of the campus AAUP chapter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, Angela helps library leaders confidently manage change and conflict. As an ICF-certified (ACC) leadership coach, Angela offers confidential individual coaching to navigate challenging team dynamics in a way that is aligned with your values. Angela also teaches Lead With Curiosity: Coaching skills for library leaders, adapting professional coaching skills to the complex practicalities of managing a team.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-style-has-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JJPionke-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-13&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-13-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-13\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">JJ Pionki<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-13\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-13-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>JJ Pionke <\/strong>has been an Instructor of Information at Syracuse University since 2019.\u00a0 His award winning research focuses on disability and accessibility in libraries for employees and patrons.\u00a0 Named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2020 in the Advocacy category, JJ is a fierce advocate for improving accessibility in libraries as well as for inclusion and equitable treatment of library employees with disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-section-contrast has-background-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7f720216f59f703b7db2c05e8f62f1b5 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8b39c330 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained is-style-section-contrast--14\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-large);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-large);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8a92f19b wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Emeritus Board Members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fobazi Ettarh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fobazi-Ettarh-200x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fobazi-Ettarh-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fobazi-Ettarh.png 482w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Fobazi Ettarh\u2019s research is concerned with the relationships and tensions between the espoused values of librarianship and the realities present in the experiences of marginalized librarians and library users. In 2018, she coined the term and defined the concept of \u201cvocational awe,\u201d which describe, \u201cthe set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in beliefs that libraries as institutions are inherently good and sacred, and therefore beyond critique.\u201d In her article \u201cVocational Awe: The Lies We Tell Ourselves,\u201d she describes how vocational awe can lead to burnout and a sense that one\u2019s own self-care is less important than the work being done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Although written before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ettarh\u2019s words have resonated with many library workers throughout the nation in the current moment, as we strive to serve our patrons and our profession as best we can amidst the competing demands of home, work, and health. Her remarks on equity and inclusion in libraries are just as timely and important. In a 2019 interview with Cathy Hannabach, she spoke of the resistance that marginalized library workers can face when advocating for better working conditions and talked about what a changing world might offer in the way of alliances and social progress. When describing what a better world would look like to her, Fobazi Ettarh said, in part, \u201ca place where change is embraced, where people work as a collective rather than working in opposition to each other \u2013and to one\u2019s own interest \u2014 \u2026a place where conflict isn\u2019t seen as a four-letter word but as a fulcrum to a better time, a better organization, a healthier world and place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Fobazi Ettarh\u2019s critical work on libraries, labor, and identity has been published in In the Library With the Lead Pipe and edited collections, including the Critical Library Pedagogy Handbook and Knowledge Justice: Disrupting Library and Information Studies through Critical Race Theory. She has given invited talks at numerous professional and scholarly conferences and events, including the Library as Place Symposium, and keynotes at the Association of College and Research Libraries and Library Journal Directors\u2019 Summit. Her research has been covered in numerous outlets and she consults in library and corporate contexts on labor, identity, and diversity. She is also the creator of the open-access video game Killing Me Softly: A Game About Microaggressions. <a href=\"https:\/\/fobaziettarh.com\/\">https:\/\/fobaziettarh.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/greyd.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Features \u2192<\/a>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meet the Advisory Board Emeritus Board Members Fobazi Ettarh Fobazi Ettarh\u2019s research is concerned with the relationships and tensions between the espoused values of librarianship and the realities present in the experiences of marginalized librarians and library users. In 2018, she coined the term and defined the concept of \u201cvocational awe,\u201d which describe, \u201cthe set [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-53","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=53"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":297,"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/53\/revisions\/297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thrivelib.meeks.work\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=53"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}